Raise fine rates for speeding truckers

Wednesday

Dec 19, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Editor, the Record:

Editor, the Record:

Pennsylvania has a relatively simple fine structure. A speed limit violator pays a base fine of $35 or $42.50, if the speed limit exceeded was 65 mph. A violator also must pay $2 for each mile above the posted limit after five. There also are several other fees and assessments a violator must pay. Fines double in designated highway construction or maintenance zones. What a joke.

Until the state of Pennsylvania passes stringent laws regarding truck traffic and the state police begin enforcing them, innocent drivers will continue to be used for target practice by law-breaking truck drivers.

I would like to see the fines raised significantly on all parties involved — the operator, owner/operator and or the company — when a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limit. I suggest somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first offense, such as speeding or tailgating, and $2,000 for a second offense. Thereafter, take away their privilege to operate in Pennsylvania. Then and only then, when you hit them in the pocketbook will you see how quickly they adhere to the law.

With lesser fines, but still higher than they currently are, this also should apply to automobile drivers who excessively speed, tailgate, change lanes without using their directional signals, or do not put their headlights on during inclement weather or at dusk.

Is there a politician who would be willing to champion the plight of the safe drivers in the Poconos?